Preparing for Christmas ( or Not)

Not great fans of fussy Christmas's any more so very little prep is done here (in comparison to other bloggers,  and the rest of the world, who seem devoted to it!).

Various reasons, My mother and mother in law were so impossible with demands at this season for years and years, we were glad to see the back of the "family festivities." These days are adult sons have gone their own ways.  One son has converted to Islam so only superficially takes part to give his girls some experiences.  Another son is married to a Hindu (non practising) so does not go the whole hog either. Other son's partner is a bit like my mother and spends money they have not got so it does his head in and we hide as his moaning does my head in!!!

So what have I achieved by November 13th?

I brought a jar of mincemeat in this week's shopping.

I practised my sausage roll making - husband ate them all so there is nothing "in store" for December!

I started to deep clean some rooms in case we have visitors. I might dig out the "Christmas" plates and platters and give them a rinse later.

I got out all the left over cards and charity freebies that come unsolicited and the list. We need 20 cards maximum.

I have gone out to my sewing cabin and made some cards.  Using an appliqué pattern off the Interwebby I  copied the outline on to a cheap blank card from Wilko's, extended the antlers of this reindeer, used hatch lines to decorate the body and added the bauble. Lightly water-coloured. Its cute!  I may do another one if the husband insists on watching reality TV tonight (otherwise my brain may melt with boredom).

Another appliqué pattern for a reindeer head which I copied on to some sample Christmas fabric I had in the stash, backed with fusible stiffener. Looked up appliqué stitch on the new sewing machine and practised changing the stitch size (smaller on the horns). Buttons for eyes. 

I have been keeping some old wrapping paper for a couple of years as I liked the designs. So I used the robin to make my own applique pattern.

I think I will add some fluffy white fabric under the hat and make the mouth more distinct before gluing to a blank card.

Husband's prep? Brought some outside lights for his workshop to be decorated and made the annual phone call to his sister early.

I will read everyone else's bloggs with interest to see what preparations I am missing!